Parnell picked for state water commission

Gov. Matt Blunt stopped in Springfield Monday afternoon to announce Parnell’s appointment, which is subject to Senate confirmation. His term would end April 12, 2008.

The commission works to conserve state water resources and protect the quality of public water supplies, according to a news release from Blunt’s office. The commission also helps protect water supplies for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreation and other uses and for the propagation of wildlife. Parnell replaces Thomas Hermann.

Parnell has a hand in a number of environmentally focused organizations, including the Wonders of Wildlife board, Upper White River Basin Foundation, James River Basin Partnership and The Nature Conservancy of Missouri. He also is chairman of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

Parnell, a Drury alumnus, is serving as interim president of the school, while a replacement for former president John Sellars is found. He also is executive director of Drury’s newly created Edward Jones Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Parnell was a founding investor in Springfield-based The Bank and, after the company merged with Signature Bank to form The Signature Bank, he served as president and chief operating officer of the resulting institution until 2005.